Conveyer mechanism



April 25, 1944. F. J. WRIGHT CONVEYER MECHANISM Filed May s, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet l /NVENTo/e FRED J. WRIGHT, BY 71W' ATT'Y April 25, 1944- F. J. WRIGHT CONVEYER MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 SMQ mww u.

l lll ull /NvE/vroe FEED J. WRIGHT, y BY 4 )77' NN ON NN Y N Nv fm Q om m N a 2 h |I|| I-- ||x||i|||| .1. v 4| J, Il I nw wwfwwl -rliii :Miisd: f INN, MM .Q P f1.1- if .m .v -l .NHUHNH .nw um m mm mm wm mm t .wm E m x mu s wm mm um NN WN 0\ NN 0\ ATT 'Y 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 F. J. WRIGHT coNvEYER MEGHANISM Filed May 6, 1941 FRED J. WIQIGHT,

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pril 25, 1944.

April 25, 1944. Y J, WRIGHT 2,347,346

coNvEYER MECHANISM v Filed May e, 1941` 5 sheets-sheet 1 Fig. Il

/N VEN TOR FRED JA WRlGH-l',

Patented Apr. 25, 1944 ooNvEYER MEcnANrsM .Fred J. Wright, Powell, Ohio, assignor to The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, a corporation o( Ohio Application May 6, 1941, Serial No. 392,086

' for. 22-20) them so that either or both pumps may be con- Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in conveyer systems particularly adapted for use in foundry installations wherein moving molds are to be iilled with molten metal, although said invention may have a general application. Y

One of the objects of the present invention is the provision of improved and vetllcient mechanism for intermittently moving a train of carriers along a track on which such train is adapted to travel, so that the ladle containing molten metal may be suspended from a stationary support and so that pouring may be effected While the flask containing the mold to be filled with molten metal, may be supported on a carrier while the latter is stationary on the supporting and guiding track.

Another object of the invention is the provision of hydraulic mechanism for moving a carrier along a track and of a hydraulic system of control to effect gradual stopping of the carrier in a predetermined position.

A further object of the invention is the provision of hydraulic mechanism for moving a carrier a predetermined distance in a predetermined period of time.

Another object of the invention is the provision of hydraulic motor mechanism adapted to move one carrier from one position to another and automatically return to initial position in readiness for moving another carrier from one position to another.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a hydraulic motor and automatic means for controlling the same including a volume control to effect regulation of the speed of operation of the motor.

Another object of the invention is the provision of hydraulic mechanism for operating carriers intermittently along a track and of electrohydraulic system of control operable at will by attendants adjacent the carriers.

A further object ofthe invention is the provision of automatic mechanism for intermittently moving a train oi'carriers at predetermined time intervals to enable the carriers to be stationary one after another at the pouring station each for a predetermined definite period of time. to enable the molten metal in the pouring ladle to be emptied into the molds before such molten metal tends to cool.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a electro-hydraulic control system for a multiplicity of trains of carriers including two motor driven pumps and means for operating nected to all the hydraulic motors for individline 2 2 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a portion of the endless mold conveyer shown in Fig. 1 with the intermittently actuating hydraulic mechanism applied thereto;

Fig. 4 is a transverse ysectional elevation taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5A is an enlarged elevation of springpressed pawl actuating mechanism associated with abutments mounted on the Wheeled mold at cars or carriers shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction ofthe arrows; A

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional View of the hydraulic actuating motor including means for decelerating the plunger for a predetermined distance and speed at the limit of its car actuating stroke shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal view of a modified hydraulic motor including variable means'for adjusting the length and speedl of deceleration at the limit of its car actuating stroke;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the electric limit switch shown at the right-hand end of Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation of the limit switch shown in plan inFig. 9;

Fig. 11 shows a wiring and piping diagram including the electric circuits and connecting and hydraulic instruments for controlling the hydraulic actuating motor shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3;

Fig. 12 is a sectional elevation of the electromagnetic valve mechanism for direct control of the hydraulic motor as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation of the volume control valve shown diagrammatically in Fig. 11 in the piping system; and

Fig. 14 is a wiring diagram illustrating two separate electric pump-operating motors either or both of which may be used in. a system for spring retained vdeceleration ring 8| will be located in the annular recess 82.

When the hydraulic motor 24| is to be reversed,

the de-energzation of the solenoid |38 of Fig. 12 will cause the spring 4| to move the valve I 43 up so that the pipe 55 will be connected tothe exhaust or return pipe |38. The supply pressure in the pipe 66 will then act on the retained decelerlines in Fig. 7. It should be noted that the ring i 8| is appreciably less in diameter than the inner diameter of the cylinder 4| and therefore from the time the recess 62 leaves the ring 6| until the latter is engaged by the annular shoulder 88, the hydraulic liquid is free to flow past the periphery of the ring 6| as permitted by the yielding of the spring 58. In other words, the perforations 68 act as restricted passageways only when the piston is approaching its limit at the head end of the cylinder so that forward movement of the endless train may be stopped gradually. stroke of the plunger 4|| is started quickly and continues until stopped by the piston 56 abutting against the inner surface of the cap 48.

Fig. 8 shows a modication 24 of the hydraulic reciprocating motor 24| connected to the pawl 38, as shown in Fig. 3. The cylinder 4|' is closed at its left-hand end, as viewed in Fig. 8, by means of the cap 48', and by means of the iltting 54 the pipe 55' is connected to the interior of the y cylinder 4 I back of the piston 56. 'I'he other end of the cylinder 4| is closed by the cylinder head 49', and the piston rod 48Aextends through a packing 52' held in -place by the packing gland 5i which is secured to the outer end of the cylinder head 49'.

IIfhe inner end of the piston rod 40 is of reduced diameter and screw-threaded as shown at 69. An abutment collar 18 fits against an an nular shoulder 1| at the inner endl of the piston rod 49', and is secured to the latter by means of a pin 12.

Screw-threaded on to the rod 684s an auxiliary piston 13 which is held in adjusted positionby means of the lock nut 14.` The rod 69 is also screw-threaded into the main piston 56' and is held in adjusted position by means of the lock nut 15.

When the supply' pressure medium enters the cylinder 4|' through the pipe 55', the spacedapart pistons 56' and 13 will start moving toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 8, and the liquid in the cylinder 4| will then be free to pass through the opening 16 to the pipe 11. It will be seen that the fitting 18 connects the pipe 11 to the chamber 19 of a chest 80 which is secured to the exterior of the cylinder 4|f.

spaced-apart openings are provided at 8| and 82 between the interior of the cylinder 4|' and the chamber 19. Needle valves 83 and 84 are carried at the inner ends of screws 85, 86 which are screw-threaded through the outer wall of the chest 88 and secured in adjusted positions by the lock nuts 81 and 88.

When the pistons 56 and 13 first start toward the right, las viewed in Fig. 8, from their full line positions, the liquid in advance thereof may pass through all three openings 16, `8| and 82, but

The return.

when the piston 13 passes the opening 18 the liquid in advance of the piston 13 may then pass through only the openings 8| and 82 into the chamber 19 and thence to the pipe 11.

After the piston 13 passes beyond the port 16, the liquid between the pistons will tend to move bodilf,r therewith. As the piston 13 moves toward the right or toward the port 8| the liquid ilow through the ports 8| and 82 will be restricted and therefore' the movement of the piston `rod 40' will be slowed down. The extent to which the speed of movement of the piston rod 40' toward the right will be reduced, will depend upon the positioning of the needle valves 83 and 84 in restricting the passage of the liquid through the ports 8l and 82 to the chamber 18.

When the piston 13 passesl the port 8| there will be still further reduction in speed because then 'the liquid in advance of the piston 13 may pass only through theport 82, such ilow being restricted by the position of the needle valve 84.

When the piston rod 40 reaches the right-hand limit of its stroke, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8, the collar 18 will abut against the annular shoulder 89 at the inner end of the cylinder head 49'. The engagement by the collar 10 with' the annular shoulder 88 will be a positive limit stop for the actuating stroke of the piston rod 48'. thereby positively limiting the extent to which the pawl 38 may be moved toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 3.

In order to avoid any sticking of the abutment collar 10 inits position against the annular shoulder 88 by reason of the formation of a vacuum. I have provided a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves 98, '99 in the cylinder head 49' adjacent the annular shoulder 88. The grooves 80 are in communication with ports 8|. 92 betweenl which is located a spring-pressed ball check valve 93 held in position by the screw cap 94, as shown in Fig. 8. As the abutment collar 18 moves toward the annular shoulder 89, the passageway between the ports 8| and 82 will be retained closed by the ball check valve 93. However, when the piston rod 48 is moved toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 8, the check valve 83 permits flow from the chamber 19 through ports 8| and 82 into the grooves 98, thereby permitting rapid movement of the piston rod 40 to the left asv viewed in Fig. 8. Thediameter of the abutment collar 10 is appreciably less than the inner diameter of the cylinder 4|' and consequently as soon as the collar 18 is released from the annular shoulder 89 the effective return stroke pressure will be on the right-hand side of the piston 13, the flow thereto being not only through the port 82 but also past the check valve 93 and through the port. 9|. t0 the left as viewed in Fig. 8 Athe ilow will be through the ports 8|, 82, 9| and when the piston 13 moves to the` left of the port 16 the flow will be through all the ports 16, 8|, 82, 9|.

Under some `circumstances, as hereinafter more fully explained, it may be desirable to vary the length and speed of deceleration at the limit of the car actuating stroke of the plunger 40. de-

pending upon the loads on the cars and time required -for the pouring of the metal from the ladle into the molds in the asks on the platforms 25 of the cars of the endless train. The length of the forward actuating stroke of the plunger 40' is predetermined by the distance of the abutment collar 10 from the annular shoulder 89 but the beginning of the deceleration period may be varied by adjustment ofthe Piston 13 along When the piston 13 moves forms 25 before the train is c tuating thejioun'dry ilasl:v carriers.

the screw-threaded rod te. When `in. adjusted positionit may be locked there by tightening the nut "it against the same.

The closer1 to the collar l@ the piston i3 is located the sooner the deceleration period will begin and the longer the completion of the stroke from beginning to end will take. The closer to the piston 5t' the piston 'i3 is located the more delayed will be the beginning of the deceleration but the completion of the full stroke will take less time.- I

yAfter the reciprocating hydraulic motor tdi' has been assembled to have a predetermined length of decelerationand a forward actuating stroke in a predetermined time, further reiinements in the time of deceleration may be made by adjustingthe'needle valve'st and di. In any' event the time of the return stroke may be predetermined so as togivethe operators of the ladle plenty oi time to effect pouring of the molten metal'intothe molds in the aslss on the plat# moved forward another cai length.

. Referring now to thefwiring and piping diagram illustrated? in Fig. 11', I will `describe the automatic ifi-loch:inisin` for controlling the hydraulic'reciprocating motor for intermittently ac- When the mainline switch @5 isclosed, the mains et?, el and s'may be connected to the source of threephase alternating current supply. The mains 96, 9h, 9d' are connected by the branch conductors 99. it@ and iti to the switch itt for controlling the electric motor it which is coupled to a hydraulic pump it@ to drive they latter. The alternating `current supply mains are also connected by means of theA main line switch it Vthrough the branch conductors iet, itl and ich to the switch its for controlling the electric motor lill which is coupled to the hydraulic pump ill to drive the latter.

By means of a transformer H2 two of the three-phase mains, namely, those designated di' and ali, are connected to a controlling circuit` comprising the conductors lief-and lit.

When it is desired to eiiect'a closure of the motor switch m2, the push button switch H5 is pressed to closed position, whereupon a circuit will lbe established from the ,secondary of. the transformer H2, which circuit may be traced from the conductor H3 through conductor lit, solenoidl ill, conductor iis, switchl i i5, conductor H9, closed pushbutton switch 52u, conductor me vand through conductor lie back to the other terminal of the secondary of the transformer lili. The energization of the solenoid lil will cause it Vto pull up its plunger iti to eilect closure o the motor switch to2, whereupon the electric motor itt will be rotated and the hydraulic pump it driven. l

The solenoid i22 is in parallel with the solenoid ill and therefore when the solenoid lil. is energized, the solenoid i22 will also be energized. The energization of the solenoid 622 will effect lifting of the plunger 23 to cause the closure of the switch ic. The electric lamp` itil is in parallelism with the solenoids ill and 22 and therefore when the latter are energized, the lamp |25 will give a signal that the electric motor E68 is rotating and that the pump it is being open ated.

The switch |25 comprises two sets of contacts i25 and lill. Both sets of contacts will be closed when the plunger i23 is pulled up. The conneccuit by way of the conductors lit and its through the push button switch 82d. It will thus be seen that immediately after the push button switch iis is closed, the contacts i26 will be connected and the holding circuit establishedthrough the push button which i261. Release `of the push button switch M5 will therefore not disturb the closure of the switch W2. After the push button switch M5 is released and moves to open position, continued energization of the solenoids lil and l22 depends upon continued closure of the push button switch ll. There-` fore, when it isv desired tostop the operation of the pump itt, the push button switch l2@ is pressed to open position, whereupon the switches it@ and iZd will be automatically opened and the electric light i25 will go out, thereby giving the signal that the pump its is no longer operating. v

The pump lila yis connected by means oi a suction pipe i3d to a supply` tank iti. The `pump itil is also connected to a supply pipe it between which and the return pipe 33 is located a relief pressure valve i3d which is adapted to establish a by-pass for the pumpwhen the pressure in the supply pipe id exceeds a predetermined maximum.

The supply pipe 32 is connected by means of the pipe it through the volume control mechanism i3d to the pipe i-lt. The pipe i3d is connected to an electro-magnetically operated valve itl shown in sectional elevation in Fig. 12. The pipes et and 5t oi Fig. 7 are shown in Fig. 11 connected respectively to the electro-magnetic valve and the pipe ist. A return pipe i3d connects the electromagnetic valve to the pipe its leading baci: to the tank it i When the solenoid 039 shown in Fig. 12 is energized7 the plunger it@ .will be pulled down against the action of the spring ilito lower the valve pistons M2 and idd to establish communi cation between the pressure pipe ist and the pipe 55. Both sides of the piston 56 in the hyn draulic motor cylinder di will then be connected to the pressure side of the pump it. However, on account of the piston rod dii, the pressure area at the left-hand side of the piston 56 will be greater than the pressure area on the right-hand side thereof, as viewed in Figs. 7 and 11. It will therefore be seen that when the solenoid i3d of Eig. 12 is energized, the piston rod t@ will be moved toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 3, to eect movement of the pawl 33 against the abutment 3l to move the train of cars i6 approximately one car length.

When the carriage 45 carrying the pawl 38 reaches the end of the track 6d, 4d, the righthand end of the carriage 4B will strike against When the carriage de strikes the roller' it, the

arm M6 will be moved in a clockwise 'direction as viewed in Fig, 10, to eiect lifting of the switch blade it against the action of the spring i5@ and consequently the limit switch M5 will be opened to eect de-energization of the Valve operating solenoid i3@ shown in Fig. 12. When the solenoid 39 is tie-energized, the spring Mi will tion of the contacts iZS will eiect a holding cir 75 return the valve its to itsposition shown in Fig.

12, and consequently the pressure pipe |36 will be cut off from the supply pipe 55. Pressure will remain between the supply pipe |36 and the pipe 66 on the piston 56 at the right-hand side thereof, as viewed in Fig. 11, and the piston rod 40 will therefore be moved back to its initial position, and this movement will effect movement of the pawl 38 back to its dotted line position illustrated at 38 in Fig. 3. During the return stroke of the piston 56,the pipe 55 will be connected to the pipe |38 through the valve structure |31 shown in Figs. 12. L

The circuits and connections for effecting automatic reversal of the hydraulic actuating motor 24 |v when the limit switch |45 is automatically opened, are shown in Fig. 11. The limit switch contacts |50 .and |5| are respectively connected to the conductors |50' and |5|. The conductor |50' is connected through the contacts |21 to the conductor |54 which is connected to the terminal ||4 of the secondary of the transformer ||2.

The station for loading the molding asks on to the platforms 25 is preferably located at the lefthand end of the endless mold conveyer shown in Fig. 1. This loading station is designated LS ductor 4 at the other terminal of the secondary of the transformer H2.

Energization of the solenoid |65 will eiect lifting of the plunger |68 and the closing of the contacts |69 and |10. The closure of the contacts |69 establishes a holding circuit through conductor |1| so that when the push button switch |55 is released, the solenoid |65 will remain energized.

The closure of the contacts |69 will also place the electric signal lamps |58, |59 and the time relay solenoid |12 in parallelism with each other and adjacent the same, within reach of the attendant, are two push button switches, one designated |55 being normally open, and the other designated |56 being normally closed.

After a flat car I6 has been moved approximately two car lengths from its loading station LS it will occupy the pouring station PS and at the latter station is located a normally closed emergency push button switch |51. `A signal lamp |58 is located adjacent the loading station I S, and another signal lamp |59 is located adjacent the pouring station PS. During the return stroke of the piston rod 40 of the hydraulic motor 24|, pouring of the molten-metal from the ladle may be effected into the flask on the platform 25 at the pouring station. The Aladle may therefore be suspended from a stationary support, no trolley being necessary for movement of the ladle during pouring because pouring is effected While the flask is on a platform 25 which is stationary during the pouring period. The fiat cars |6 are moved forwardly to the pouring station one after another and are then moved away therefrom in the direction of the arrow |60. The unloading station US is approached when the flat cars are moving in the direction of the arrow |6|. By this time Vthe metal is suiliciently cooled so that the flasks may be inverted and the contents dumped on to a grating at lthe unloading station US separate from the mold conveyer |5, for the purpose of shaking out the castings and separating the molding sand therefrom.

Revertng to Fig. 11 it will be seen that the signal lamps |58 and |59 respectively located at the loading station LS and the pouring station PS, as shown in Fig. 1, are connected in parallel with each other and in parallel with the solenoid |12. `When the push button switch |55 at the loading station LS is closed, a circuit will be established through conductors H3, |63, |64, solenoid |65, 'conductor |66, push button switch |55, conductor |61, emergency push button switch |56 at the loading station LS, emergency push button switch |51 at the pouring station PS, conductor 5|', limit switch |45, conductor. |50', contacts |21, and conductor |54 to conin a circuit which is in parallel with the solenoid |65. The circuit in paralle1 with the solenoid |65 may be traced from the conductor |63 through the conductor |13 and thence through the lamps |58, |59 and solenoid |12 in parallel to the conducto;` |14.

The lighting of the signal lamps |58 and |59 signals the attendants at the loading station LS and at the pouring station PS that the whole train of flat cars |6 will be started to be moved one car length after a lapse of predetermined time interval. The lighting of the signal lamp |59 is for the purpose of advising the attendant at the pouring station PS that an operation is about to take place in from five to thirty seconds or such time as may be predetermined as sufficient to permit the pouring crew to be in readiness to pour the molten metal into the mold when the flask arrives at the pouring station PS.

When the time relay solenoid |12 is energized, its plunger |15 will be lifted to move upwardly the piston |16 in the dash pot |11. The valve |18 will automatically close and the upward movement of the piston |16 will be retarded by the restricted .opening |19 in the piston. A switch arm connected to the plunger |15 is located below the contacts |8| and will connect the latter after a predetermined/ interval of time has elapsed after the signal lamps |58 and |59 have been turned on.

Whenl the contacts `|8| are connected, the circuit, through the solenoid |62 will be established by means of the conductors |82, |83, |84, contacts |10, and conductor |85. The circuitfor the solenoid |62 may be traced from the lefthand terminal of the secondary of the transformer II2, as shown in Fig. 1l, through the conductors ||3, |63, |13, |82, solenoid |62, conductor |83, contacts |8|, conductor |84, contacts |10, 'conductors |85, |50', contacts |21, and conductors |54, ||4 to the other terminal of the secondary of the transformer |I2.

Energization of the solenoid |62 will effect lifting of the plunger |86 and the closure of the switch contacts |81 and |88 to connect the phase mains 86 and 91 respectively, to the conductors |89 and |90 which are connected to the solenoid |89, as shown in Fig. 12.

Reviewing the sequence of operations. it will l be seen that the closure of the push button switch ||5 will start the operation of the pump |04, and the operation of this pump may be stopped at any time by the opening of the switch |20. When the pump |04 is in operation, as indicated by the lighting of the signal lamp |25, the closure of the push button switch |55 at the loading station will effect lighting of the signal lamps |58 and |59, respectively, at the loading station LS and at the pouring station PS. After the elapse of a certain time interval predetermined by the setting of the time relay, diagrammatically illustraten in Fig. 11, the soieniod isz win be ener; gized to effect operation of the solenoid |39 to move the 4valve idc into position to connect the pressure supply to beth sides of the piston te oi the hydraulic reciprocating motor 2d i.. Whenever desired, the emergency switch i5@ at the loading station LS may be opened, or the emergency switch itil `at the pouring station PS may be opened, and the opening of either of these switches will eect the de-energization of the solenoid it which in turn, by reason of the opening of the contacts ict, ilo, will effect (ie-ener gization ci the solenoids E62 and il@ and the extinguishment of the electric signal lights 53 and tot. Consequently the contacts itl, it@ will be opened, the solenoid its de=energized and the valve piston idd moved by the spring lei tothe position shown in Fig., l2 to eiiect automatic return ci the piston rod t@ to its initial position. l By means of Vthe volume control valve its shown in detail in Fig. 13, the rate of flow into the cylinder di to the left of thepistori4 5d, as viewed in Figs. and ll, may be regulated. The pipe 32 ci` Fig. 1l is connected to ,the passageB1 way ii of Fig. 413 and the passageway i9@ is connected to the pipe i3d. cated in the passageway E92 and may be adjusted by means or thev lever iid. A valve ist controls the iiow of the liquid from the passageway iai to the passageway iut.- A piston it@ is connected to the upper end ci the valve stem. icl, to the lower end of which is connected the valve ich. A spring itt acts between the cover ist and the topof the piston itt. A conduit 2li@ connects the passageway ist to the chamber im above the piston 6%.

When the valve ita is wide open, the rate or flow may be approximately 3.3 gallons per minute at a hydraulic pressure of 65u pounds per square inch, and this gallonage may be varied down to zero by gradually closing the valve 93.

A conduit to2 extends -from the passageway it@ to the left or the valve it@ upwardly to a space below the piston it. It will thus be seen that a diierential pressure takes place on the top and bottom of the piston it@ depending upon the vcirtent to which the valve ist is closed, and this.

dierential pressure will determine the position of the valve it. When the valve Het is partially closed, the pressure on the under side of the piston it overcomes the pressure on the top of the same to such an extent as to partially close the valve 95 and thus cut down the flow fromv i3d as shown in Fig. 1l. The relief valve is in-1 serted in the by-pass as a safety valve to protect the pumps and motors. l

In some instances either pump lud or iii mai1 be found to have suiiicient capacity to provide enough volume of ow at'full pressure to handle the hydraulic motors 263i of the entire assembly of twelve mold conveyers i5. The second pumping unit would then act only as a standby unit.

in actual practice if it should prove necessary that both pumps idd and lil were necessary for securing a forward actuating stroke of each hydraulic motor tdi inr five seconds, a shut down of either` pump would necessitate increasing the time for the forward actuating stroke of each hydraulic motor .2M to teny seconds. 1

The pumps iill andeiii are each preferably of the self -centering type in that each comprises an inner centering device acting automatically A valve idr-3 is los1 l For instance, if the maximum speed of the actu ating stroke of the piston rod '6G to move a dat car i6 approximatelyone car length,v is ilve sec-s onds, such actuating stroke may be slowed down to any speed desired above :uve seconds. The re=n turn stroke, however, will be longer than the mam imum actuating stroke and may consume as much as fifteen seconds because the cross-section=` al area of the piston rod dil in small relative to the area of the cylinder d i In practice I prefer to provide pumping and electric control facilities for two series oi' mold conveyors. For instance, one motor tot may be' provided to drive a pump it@ for six mold con veyer hydraulic motors and another motor ii@ `may be provided for driving another pump i i i for to decrease the pump output to the requirements of the limiting factor which is based on twelve feed control valves i3?, one of which is shown in Fig. l2. The two pumps it and iii are connected throughv the check valves 263 and 2cd to the single Arelief valve istV and the single volume control-valve 35 but branch pipes i3d',

36' extend from the pipes i322 i3d for connccting the hydraulic vinotor Edi and the other eleven hydraulic vmotors. in parallel and for connecting all of the electro-magnetic valves including that designated itil in parallel.

A switchboard panel may be provided for nearly all of the various electrical control de-V vices including one transformer H2, two electro-magnetic switches iti and idd, two lamps lh one for the solenoid ill and the other for the solenoid lill', two electro-magnetic switches,

22 one associated with the motor w3 and the other associated withthe motor im, and twelve of Veach o the electro-magnetic switches its, time relays H2, electro-magnetic switches ici, limit switches it, and electro-magnetic valves i3?.

There are only two push button switches H5 and two push button switches im. That is, there is one open push button switch tio and one closed push button switch i2@ associatedv with each of the electric 4motors 63 and il@ 'and these push button switches may be mounted on the switchboard panel. There are twelve electric lamps 58 and twelv electric lamps les, respectively located at the loading stations LS and pouring stations PS of the twelve mold conveyors I5. There are twelve each of the electro-magnetic switches S65, time relays i12, electro-magnetic switches 562, limit switches M5 and electro-magnetic valves itl,

one of each for each of the mold conveyers i5.

There are twelve starting push -button switches E55 one for each conveyer and one starting push button may be located, if desired, at the loading station of each mold conveyer.

There are twelve emergency closed push button switches E56, one at the loading station LS of each conveyor and there are twelve einergency closed push button switches iai, one at theppouring station 'PS oi each conveyor i5, as

six additional mold conveyor hydraulic motors.

The pumps may be interconnected through check valves 263 and 26@ to a common relief valve shown in Fig. l.

From the foregoing it will: be understood by reference toFig. ll that the electric control circuits to the left of the dashed line, DD for the motor w3 arev duplicated for the motor iid and that the group of control circuits to the right' of the dashed line DD in Fie. 11 is duplicated !is in operation.

' The solenoids ||1,

- solenoids I |1',

for each of the mold Fig. 1.

The straight wiring diagram in Fig. 14 shows how the electric motors |03 and ||0 may be connected to their respective control circuits and to two series of mold conveyers, each series having two conveyers. However, there may be as many as twelve conveyers with six in each series and onlytwo electric motors one for each series.

The electric control circuits and devices illustrated in Figs. 11 and 14 provide an electric interlock between the electric motors |03 and I I0 in that it will be impossible for an operator to close any of the starting push button switches |55 and eiect the energization of any of the electro-magnets to the right of the dashed line DD of Fig.'11 without rst having either or both of the electric motors |03, in operation. This because the push button switch |55 depends for its effectiveness on the closure of the corresponding contacts |21 and when the latter are closed, the corresponding motor |03 or ||0 This electrical interlockprevents burning or overheating of any of the solenoids by reason of prolonged current flow therethrough. It should be understood that the solenoids |65, |12, |62 and |39 are energized for only short periods of time and may therefore be designed for heat radiating capacities accordingly, with increased ampere turns. Y

The switchboard panels and electric motor pumping units may be distant from the mold conveyers at any convenient location.

By referring to Fig. 14 it will be seen that the supply mains 205 of a three phase alternating current circuit may be connected by means of the main line switch 206 to the mains 96, 91, 66. By closing the -main line switches 95 and the motors |03 and I l0 are put in readiness to be supplied with current as soon as the switch |02 or |09 or both are closed.

The primary of the transformer ||2 is connected between the'mains 91 and 96 by closure of the switch 201. By comparing Fig'. 11 with Fig. 14 it will be seen that in the latter the control circuits for the motor switches I 02 and |09 are connected between the terminals ||3 and IH of the secondary of the transformer 2. |22, the contacts |26, the push button switches ||5, |20, and the electric lamp are associated with the switch |02 for control of the electric motor |03 whereas the |22', contacts |26', push button switches II5, |20', and the electric lamp |25 conveyers I5 shown in are associated with the switch |09 for controlof the electric motor ||0. The contacts |21 are closed byenergization of the solenoid |22 and the contacts |21 are closed by energization of the solenoid |22. The contacts |21 and |21 are the interlocking contacts to prevent operation of any of the solenoids to the right of the dashed line DD in Fig. 11 until one or the other or both of the motors |03, |I0 are in operation because not until either the contacts |21 or the contacts |21 are closed can the circuit'through the transformer secondary be completed by the closure of a starting push button switch |55 at any of the mold conveyer units.

When either the contacts |21 or the contacts |21' are closed the push button switch |55 may be closed to complete the circuit from the conductor |I3 through the solenoid |65, switches |55, |56, |51,'and limit switch |45. When the solenoid |65 is energized the conafterthe operation of said tacts |69 are closed and therefore the circuit through the conductor |61 remains closed even after the push button switch is released to open position. The contacts |69 also keep closed a holding circuit for the solenoid |12 and lamps |56, |59 in parallel.

When the time relay |12 closes the contacts |`8| the circuit through the solenoid |62` and contacts |8| and |10 will be closed, the contacts |10 having been connected by the energization of the solenoid |65. The energization of the solenoid |52 closes the contacts`l8l, |68 and consequently the valve magnet solenoid |39 will be energized. As shown at the bottom of Fig. 14 the drawing of the current from the mains i'.;

balanced by connecting half of the solenoids |39 between the mains 91 and 98, and the other half between the mains 96 and 98.

While in Fig. 14 I have shown the control circuits |61, |83, for only four mold conveyers, it should be understood that the number of such control circuits may be increased to any extent desired within the limits of the capacities of the pumpsrl4, lli. Any one or more of the mold conveyer` reciprocating hydraulic motors may be operated at any time while being supplied with hydraulic pressure medium from either or both of the pumps |04, III. It may be said that the electric motor |03 is provided With its own control circuit |28 and that the electric motor I |0 is provided with its control circuit while each mold conveyer hydraulic reciprocating motor 24| is provided with a separate pair of control circuits |61, |83.

Obviously those skilled in the art may make various changes in the details and arrangement of parts withoutl departing from the spirit and scope of the invention hereto appended, andI restricted to the precise closed.

Having thus described and shown an embodiment of my invention, what I desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with an endless train of carriers adapted to travel along a trackway, of hydraulic motor mechanism connected to the train to move the train such distance as to transfer a carrier with a mold thereon from a loading station to a pouring station, valve mechanism for controlling said hydraulic motor, an electro-magnet fcr operating said valve mechanism to start said motor, a device at the pouring station to signal the attendant at the latter station to be in readiness with the pouring ladle, a time relay for delaying the operation of said electro-magnet and starting of said motor a predetermined length of time signaling device, and circuits and connections controlled by a switch at said loading station for automatically operating said signaling device and enabling said time relay to effect after expiration of said predetermined length of time the operation of said electromagnet and the starting of said motor to shift the mold carrier to the pouring station. 2. .In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a train of carriers, of a hydraulic motor, mechanism adapted to connect said motor to said train to move the train to transfer a carrier from a loading station to a pouring station and at the same time move another carrier toV an unloading station, valve mechanism for controlling said motor, electro-responsive means for effecting operation oi said valve mechanism.

as defined by the claims therefore wish not to be construction herein disescasas the carrier moved from the loading station, and

. a switch at the loading station -for eecting operation oi said electro-responsive means, a signal device for indicating to the attendant at the l pouring stationfthat the train is about to ce moved, a time relay `associated with the electro responsive'means for delaying'v for a predetermined period of timeaiter' operation of the said signal device the starting of said motor to move a carrier from the loading station 'to the pouring station, and means comprising a switch at the pouring station to render inoperativesaid electroresponsive means to prevent movement of the tion o said electric motor and said pump, an

electro-magnet for operating said valve mecha nism, electro-responsive means for controlling the operation of said valve mechanism electro-magnet, transmission mechanism adapted to connect said hydraulic motor to said train to move a carrier from a loading station to a pouring station in a foundry, means comprising a switch at the loading station for rendering operativesaid lastnained electrresponsive means, signaling means operated ley the closing of said last-named switch, a limitswitcn associated with said hydraulic motor to eect stopping at the pouring station ci an emergency switch at the pouring station to render-inoperative the electro-responsive means for operating the valve mechanismnntil after pouring is completed at the pouring station.

e. Sonveying apparatus including a conveyor for moving devices between two operating staions, power mechanism for moving said conveyor in steps, an electric signal and control circuit fior said power mechanism inciuding means oparable by a starting switch at one station for giving a signal at the second station that said conveier is about to move, time delay relay means ier starting movement oi said coni/ever after said signal is given a predetermined time and operatele automatically in response to actuation of said starting switch, means at said` other station for rendering said start switch ineiiective, and means `for automatically stopping said conveyor after it has traveled a predetermined distance.

5. Conveying apparatus including a conveyer tor moving devices between two operating stations', newer mechanism' for moving said conveyer in steps, an. electric signal and control circult :for said power mechanism including means operable by a starting switch at one stationor giving a signal at cath ci said stations that said conveyer is about to move, time delay relay means ior starting movement ci said conveyer after said signal is given apredetermined time and operable automatically in response to actuation oi said starting switch, means at ysaid other station for rendering said 'stari-I switcn ineective, and means tor automatically stopping said conveyer after it has traveled a predeterminedv distance.

FRED J. WRIGHT. 

